Benetas supports experience of ageing
Residents from Victoria’s Benetas St George’s, a residential aged care home in Altona Meadows, were recently star struck when 1992 Melbourne Cup winner and champion horse ‘Sub Zero’ visited their home.
Benetas St George's resident, Alice Gotts, says 'hello' to 1992 Melbourne Cup winner and champion horse ‘Sub Zero’.
The visit highlights Benetas’ commitment to providing appealing, exciting and meaningful social activities for residents and their families, as a part of its social inclusion program.
Staff at Benetas St George’s say residents were overwhelmed with the visit and felt privileged to meet and interact with a real Melbourne Cup champion.
Benetas manager of innovation, policy and research, Dr Amee Morgans, says these kinds of activities are essential for social inclusion and in supporting residents to have a positive, fulfilling experience of ageing.
“At Benetas, we aim to build relationships that provide social opportunity for our residents and for community groups to engage with older people. Social inclusion programs are an important avenue to create a connection with the community,” Dr Morgans says.
“Benetas is committed to investing in projects and programs that enable community participation. Social inclusion is all about people coming together, being connected and interacting with one another in a mutually fulfilling way,” she adds.
It is well known that animals can provide an immense source of enjoyment for many elderly people, and this superstar horse was no exception.
Such a visit from a well known 'celebrity' provides a sense of connection back to the community and something special that can be talked about amongst residents, with the staff and loved ones.
Benetas St George's is a modern 124 bed home and is renowned for its multicultural care and has been recognised for its achievements in aged care.
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